Construction is underway on Penticton’s Point Intersection, a $10.5 million group of infrastructure projects aimed at addressing traffic issues around South Main Street and other parts of the city.
The project was approved by council in April despite coming in $3 million over budget.
Grizzly Excavating was awarded the contract on April 24, with work expected to be complete by late 2024.
Starting this week, a sidewalk on Greenwood Drive is being installed between Green Avenue East and Dartmouth Drive, and along Dartmouth Drive to Pineview Road. The road is open to local traffic only, according to the city.
Reconstruction of Galt Avenue is estimated to begin in mid-May.
The city says work this spring involves upgrades to sanitary, water and storm drainage utilities, as well as the installation of underground electrical and street lighting, curbs, gutters, sidewalks and paving.
“The public should anticipate disruptions to traffic flows, site access and utilities,” representatives from the city wrote.
“Next week there will also be minor work along Skaha Lake Road and South Main Street.”
Work on Pineview Road will begin in June, with the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Galt Avenue, South Main Street and Pineview Road set for the fall.
Once roundabout construction is complete, Kinney Avenue, between Skaha Lake Road and South Main Street, will be permanently closed to vehicle traffic, converted to green space and used as part of the final phase of the lake-to-lake bike route.
“This work is being done to address congestion in the area, which will only increase with the anticipated growth that is expected in the upper Wiltse area,” said Mayor Julius Bloomfield after the project was approved. “These upgrades will also improve the safety for all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians, and add some much-needed greenspace to the area.”
Council approved the group of projects after a 5-2 vote.
Coun. James Miller and Amelia Boutltbee were opposed.
READ MORE: Grizzly Excavating awarded $10.5M contract to build Penticton Point Intersection
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